GSK PLC on Tuesday said that it has signed a deal to buy CMG1A46 from Chimagen Biosciences for $300 million upfront.
The London-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology firm plans to develop and commercialise CMG1A46, a clinical-stage dual CD19 and CD20-targeted T cell-engager.
GSK said it would focus on B cell-driven autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis, though could potentially expand to related autoimmune diseases.
Under the terms of the deal, GSK will pay $300 million upfront, and will be eligible to receive success-based development and commercial milestone payments for CMG1A46 totalling $550 million.
The agreement is subject to customary conditions.
‘As a novel therapeutic option directed at deep B cell depletion, CMG1A46 offers exciting potential which we are pleased to take forward to address unmet need in lupus and related autoimmune conditions,’ said Chief Scientific Officer Tony Wood.
‘CD20 is an established target in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and there is growing clinical evidence that CD19 shows promise as a differentiated therapeutic approach given its presence on more B cell types. In preclinical studies, CMG1A46, designed to target both CD19 and CD20, has shown rapid, deep B cell depletion both in the bloodstream and in tissues which could lead to more durable responses in patients.’
CMG1A46 is currently in phase one clinical trials in leukaemia and lymphoma in both the US and China. GSK aims to begin a phase one trial in lupus in 2025.
Shares in GSK were up 0.2% at 1,455.50 pence each in London on Tuesday afternoon.
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